Episode 4: Who’s Got a Better Idea?

Episode 4: Who’s Got a Better Idea?

Author: Hawaii Public Radio June 15, 2016 Duration: 14:24
More than 20 years ago, Hawai‘i was an early adopter of drug court—allowing nonviolent substance abusers to avoid prison with a program of supervised treatment, work and regular drug testing. Today, 85% of those cases involve crystal methamphetamine—and it’s overwhelming the system. There’s a waiting list for drug court, and a waiting list to get into treatment centers helping users of crystal meth. Hospital emergency rooms taking care of crystal methamphetamine users often face financial charges running to the tens of thousands of dollars, largely absorbed by taxpayers. Treatment professionals say a bigger role for primary care physicians could help deal with earlier stages of the use of this drug—and also help a movement toward a more honest and realistic dealing with Hawai‘i’s crisis of crystal methamphetamine use.

From the newsroom to the living room, the pervasive presence of crystal methamphetamine-known locally as "ice"-has reshaped life across the Hawaiian Islands. Hawaiʻi's New Ice Age: Crystal Meth in the Islands, from Hawaii Public Radio, moves beyond simple statistics to explore the deep, human contours of this ongoing crisis. This podcast weaves together personal narratives from those directly impacted, alongside perspectives from professionals within the judicial, healthcare, and social service systems. You’ll hear how this issue cuts across generations, affecting families and communities in profound and often unseen ways. The series doesn’t just document the problem; it creates a space for a collective conversation about a challenge that many encounter but few discuss openly. By listening to these intimate and sometimes difficult stories, we gain a clearer understanding of the drug’s complex legacy and its tangible effects on local culture, politics, and public health. Each episode serves as both a document and an invitation, acknowledging that the full story is held by the community itself. This is a crucial auditory journey for anyone seeking to comprehend a defining struggle within modern Hawaiʻi, presented with the nuance and depth such a subject demands. Tune in for a series that handles a tough topic with care, specificity, and a commitment to truth.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 4

Hawaiʻi's New Ice Age: Crystal Meth in the Islands
Podcast Episodes
Episode 3: Living the Meth Life [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:14
In this episode, we hear more from people who have had the drug at the center of their lives. HPR reporter Noe Tanigawa talked story with three women who have come through meth addictions, and we hear about their experie…
Episode 2: Hawai‘i’s Meth Culture [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:07
Many people think of crystal methamphetamine users as homeless addicts with deep-seated mental health issues. While that describes some users, it’s a much broader spectrum of people who have issues with crystal meth. Fro…
Episode 1: "45 Patients A Day" [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 13:51
Dr. Daniel Chang estimates 45 patients a day come to the emergency room at Queens Medical Center for some type of methamphetamine-related complaint. The use of crystal methamphetamine is a medical, legal and social crisi…